Infrastructure projects, such as flood defences, ports, railways, highways, and airports, are temporary forms of organizing to address societal problems. Each project, its components, and network are unique in the sense of developing a tailor-made design to fit the local situation seamlessly. On the other hand, projects have much in common, and there are many opportunities for learning. Often the wheel is reinvented every time as the learnings from a previous project are lost and not carried over to next projects, resulting in poor efficiency and the perception of construction as a slow learning industry. Organisations that develop infrastructure projects, need to learn from predecessors such that every project becomes cumulatively better and generates more value for society.

This PhD research is aimed at understanding the process of learning in infrastructure projects. Learning is challenging in a transdisciplinary infrastructure setting which requires diverse knowledge exchanges with multiple stakeholders in contrast to monodisciplinary settings where specialists find each other and communicate effectively.

The research seeks an exploration of knowledge in a transdisciplinary environment between disciplines, organizations and cultures that are not always familiar with each other across projects, programs and organizations. Such knowledge has to be shared and adapted in future projects. Knowledge translations through formal and closed networks along with informal and open social networks are to be investigated. Thus, the PhD research seeks to study how knowledge can be translated from one-off projects to across organizations, thereby improving the performance of the industry.

The Design and Integration (D&I) group seeks an enthusiastic PhD candidate to work on this project. The research will focus on:

• A literature review on the challenges and scope for learning in infrastructure projects, and transdisciplinary setting.
• Inpsiration from other countries wthin the sector (e.g. Scandinavian countries), and other sectors (e.g. healthcare).
• Case study research, with semi-structured open-ended interviews with practitioners, to understand the techniques and processes that can be learned from projects, how they can be captured, and how they can be embedded as learnings in future projects.
• Creating a framework to explain the process of learning in infrastructure projects.
• Action research to implement the learning program in an infrastructure project.

• A Master's degree in a relevant field, i.e., Construction Management and Engineering, Project Management.
• Ability to interact and carry out research with close collaboration with community and practitioners
• Ability to work both in a project team, but also independently and take leadership and responsibility for research tasks
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral. If your mother language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you must submit proof of English proficiency from either TOEFL (minimum total score of 100) or IELTS (minimum total score of 7.0). Proof of English language proficiency certificates older than two years are not accepted

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Civil Engineering & Geosciences

The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource depletion, urbanisation and the availability of clean water, conducted  in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to achieve our goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.